28 April 2023 , 10:49
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Arsenal seized on the growing numbers in the Chelsea squad by signing Jorginho in January and could yet return for N'Golo Kante.
The Blues have seen a host of new faces arrive through the door since Todd Boehly took control of the club, spending huge sums on players. Enzo Fernandes became the British record signing when he joined in January, adding to an already stacked midfield.
Jorginho had been a stalwart for the Blues since joining in 2018 but sought pastures new with minutes becoming less regular, heading across the capital to join Arsenal. Chelsea will have to review their options when the seasons with some notable departures set to occur.
That has other clubs on red alert and, according to reports, the north Londoners are looking to pounce on the uncertainty surrounding Kante's future by signing the Frenchman. His contract expires in 2023 and, despite reports of talks between the player and the club, nothing is yet signed.
Chelsea will have to offload several midfielders, but any decisions may rest with their next manager, thought to be Mauricio Pochettino. Fernandez is one of the few whose future at Stamford Bridge is assured.
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Elsewhere Mason Mount is seeking a new deal, but has hit a roadblock in negotiations. Conor Gallagher could be moved on for a sizeable fee, Mateo Kovacic is among those who could be deemed surplus to requirements and Ruben Loftus-Cheek may think its time for a new challenge.
Kante, who was part of the last Chelsea side to win the title in 2017, is still performing at an impressive level but TodoFichajes claims that a two-year deal has been signed that will take the World Cup winner to the Emirates.
N'Golo Kante's Chelsea contract is winding downThe Frenchman and the Blues could yet come to terms on an extension with a two-year renewal previously mentioned. However the club are looking to streamline their squad and there are going to be casualties along the way.
Interim Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has said on the player's future: "As an individual, his impact is very clear. Off the back of a long-term injury, we have to manage him at the same time because when you have N'Golo fit, he's clearly one of the best midfield players in the world."
Arsenal themselves know they need to bolster their option ahead of their return to the Champions League. Recent setbacks, especially the defeat at Manchester City, exposed the lack of depth in the club's squad, which will need to be addressed if they want to be competitive across several competitions.
Declan Rice has been touted as a potential target to strengthen their midfield options with Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey the regulars under Mikel Arteta. Reports also suggest the Gunners could join the race for Ryan Gravenberch, who is a target for Liverpool.